Albert Isaac Bumgardner

Albert Isaac Bumgardner, age 91, of La Grande, died Sunday, September 3, 2006 at a local care facility. A Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends will be held at the home of his granddaughter, Sheri Benitez, 2706 E. "L" Avenue in La Grande on Friday from 12:00 until 3:00 p.m. Friends are encouraged to drop by anytime during those hours.

Mr. Bumgardner was born at Elgin, Oregon on April 28, 1915,to Isaac and Emma (Davisson) Bumgardner. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1934. During World War II he worked at an airplane factory at San Diego, California. After returning to Union County he had several occupations as a mechanic, carpenter, furnace and sheet metal work.

On April 16, 1974 he married Bernice Waelty and the resided in La Grande. She preceded him in death on February 28, 2002. He was a past president of the Eagles Lodge, Aerie #259 in La Grande. He was known as a jack of all trades and enjoyed riding motorcycles. In his younger years he flew airplanes and he could build anything.

Survivors include his sister, Bernice Page of La Grande; step-children, Ken Waelty of Summerville, Pat Gutierrez of Heppner, Judy Ely of Oregon City, Laura VanDusen of Elgin and Larry Waelty of Nampa, Idaho; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His parents and a sister, Helen Manning, preceded him in death.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mr. Bumgardner to the charity of one's choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.